Euro 2016: Northern Ireland's Chris Brunt to miss final tournament

Northern Ireland left back Chris Brunt will miss this summer's Euro 2016 final tournament in France. The experienced West Bromwich Albion player, aged 31, had knee surgery and will be out of action for at least six month. The surgery repaired damage on his anterior cruciate ligament. Brunt picked up the injury during last weekend's 3-2 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace. The 31-year-old West Brom defender is expected to be out of action for six months after damaging his anterior cruciate ligament. He has 54 caps for Northern Ireland and has made eight appearances during the successful Euro 2016 qualifying campaign. "It's a big blow for Chris and everyone is feeling for him right now," West Brom manager Tony Pulis said. "It will be disappointing for us not to have him for the rest of the season because he is a terrific player who gives the team great balance. But obviously it is made even more cruel because it has denied him a career highlight with Northern Ireland this summer." Northern Ireland will be making their first appearance at a major final tournament since 1986. They have been drawn in Group C, along with Ukraine, Poland and reigning world champions Germany. They are 2/1 at Bet365 to qualify from that group.